Ice Climbing Trip
	January 13, 2002
	Report by: Scott Perkins
	See Pictures Below

The Club's ice climbing trip was great. Although the early meeting time (6:15am) and the warm temps this week may have contributed to the many no-shows, a few dedicated climbers kept the faith and were rewarded with excellent conditions at Hogpen Gap.

 Denmark Blount, Jamie Schantz, David Reed, John Reiboldt and I left Tony's and arrived at Hogpen just before 8:00am where club member Greg Allen was waiting, tools in hand. 

The members quickly bundled up and as I bushwhacked along the top of the cliff hanging a few top ropes for the guys to warm up on. Greg warmed up on the very sharp end with a nice lead to start the day. The routes were in good (difficult) shape and everyone took turns attempting the various lines. 

Jamie Shantz swung tools for the first time in 16 years and David Reed for the first time ever. Denmark put in a great effort, sending a stout mixed line that got harder after each attempt (less and less ice). 

I had planned not to climb but was inspired by the cool dry tooling and steep climbing above so I donned crampons and tools and took a turn on the route. David Reed then stepped up with a great effort following the line of Greg's earlier lead on only his second ice route ever. Not to be out done and with some of the 16 years of rust knocked off his gear Jamie was next on the pumpy route. 

The temps stayed low and most of the water stayed frozen and everyone had a chance to get on some cool routes. Thanks to those climbers that showed up and special thanks to Greg Allen for coming out and helping set-up/break-down the various routes. 

See you all when I get back from Ecuador.

Scott Perkins

Pictures

"First Ascent" for David Reed !

This page was last updated on 05/20/2003 .